Observations from Iraq, Iran, Israel, the Arab world and beyond

IRAQ: Troops return to California with good news

Marines are returning to Camp Pendleton as major responsibility for the U.S. mission in Anbar province shifts to Marine units from other bases. The process will take several months.

On Saturday night, 170-plus Marines and sailors from the 1st Intelligence Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force returned after a seven-month deployment to Fallouja and other farflung outposts in the sprawling province.

The troops came home to a joyous welcome from family members. It was a night for good news: the troops are confident that the U.S. is winning the war. And more importantly, the battalion did not have a single fatality or serious injury.

"I've been feeling great, and now I'm even better," said Keri Palmisano as she spotted her husband, Sgt. Matt Palmisano, returning from his second deployment.

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